Public Finance

Stimulus: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

We have on hand an economic dilemma with no clear solution on hand, but it is important we consider the possible implications of our choices

Social Distancing: A Game of Two Locales

A basic game theoretic model is developed to explain the challenge of implementing social distancing across locales.

The Continuing Rise of China

The coronavirus pandemic, while having taken its toll on China, also creates huge opportunities for China's continued global ascent.

$2 Trillion in Additional Stimulus: The Good and the Bad

Unless the stimulus can ultimately get workers back to producing, its benefit on the economy will be short-lived.

The Coronavirus Externality Problem

Characterizing the coronavirus pandemic as an externality lends credibility to the actions being taken by the government to address it.

Payroll Tax Cuts?

First, it was an aggressive interest rate cut, then a spending bill, now its payroll tax cuts. Will this latest move stop the bleeding?

Saudi Oil Attacks: An Economic Tipping Point?

Are there visions of the 1970s stagflation showing up in the US given the Saudi oil attacks over the weekend? Quite possibly!

The Debt Ceiling: A Symbolic Absurdity

Having a debt ceiling is a distraction from the real issue of reining in the deficit and slowing the growth of the federal debt.

The Minimum Wage Debacle

Does an increase in the minimum wage lead to job losses or job increases? We turn from inconclusive empirics to methodical thinking.

Waxing Theoretical: Social Capital and Markets

In principles level coverage in economics, we typically identify land, labor, capital and entrepreneurship as the productive resources an...